USask scholars win prestigious national awards
Three outstanding University of Saskatchewan (Usask) researchers have been awarded Vanier and Banting scholarships and fellowships totaling $430,000 for research that will advance regenerative medicine and improve water quality and mental health.
By Federica Giannelli“These stellar scholars will contribute to cutting-edge research that will help improve our health and environment and position them as the research leaders of tomorrow,” said USask Vice-President Research Karen Chad.
The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship recognizes top-tier doctoral students who demonstrate excellence in academia, research impact and leadership at Canadian universities. Biomedical engineering student Adam McInnes has been awarded a Vanier Scholarship of $150,000 over three years to develop a new gel to promote tissue growth for 3D printing of artificial organs that may one day be used for transplants.
The Banting Fellowship is awarded to post-doctoral researchers, both nationally and internationally, who work on projects that will contribute to Canada's economic and social growth.
Toxicology researcher Jonathan Challis and sociology researcher Holly McKenzie were each awarded Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships worth $140,000 over two years. Challis will identify new contaminants that may affect water sources, including in Indigenous communities. McKenzie will study how therapy dogs can help women’s well-being.
Federica Giannelli is a graduate student intern in the University of Saskatchewan research profile and impact unit.
Read more about these research projects on the university news site.